Will competition put pawn shops under the gun?

Published: Monday, December 3, 2012 at 05:54 PM.

“People want to deal with someone they know. We’ll have our customers that have been coming in here for years and they’ll keep coming back.”

Both pawn shop operators say there’s enough business to go around.

Mitchem, who calls President Barack Obama his best salesman, noted a surge in gun sales after the 2008 election as well as before and after this year’s. It stems from gun enthusiasts believing they may lose the right to own weapons or buy affordable ammunition, according to sellers.

Whatever the reason, Mitchem says manufacturers and distributors can hardly keep up with demand. An order for 15 guns might net the store two, according to the owner.

“It’s happening with long guns and handguns both,” he said. “We can never get our whole order.”

Messick sees fewer and fewer people trading in guns. He attributes that to today’s gun owners placing more worth on their firearms.

“People seem to value their guns more today than they did a decade ago,” he said. “They have political worries — and during difficult times people seem to be more likely to arm themselves.”

A big-box store says it will bring one of the state’s biggest selections of new and used guns to Gastonia this spring. Local firearms dealers are discounting the idea of too much competition in the market.

Gander Mountain said last week it plans to take over the Sports Authority location in the Franklin Square shopping center. Like rivals Dick’s Sporting Goods and Sports Authority, the chain sells outdoor gear from archery supplies to Under Armour. Unlike many other major retailers, Gander Mountain will also buy or trade for used rifles, shotguns or handguns.

That business model has a lot in common with area pawn shops, which count firearms among their biggest sellers.

But people like Troy Messick, who manages Bobby’s Pawn Shop, says he doesn’t expect to suffer heavily at the hands of a new store.

“It’s really not going to be a whole lot different than dealing with Walmart,” he said.

Bobby’s, a family-owned shop open on West Franklin Boulevard since 1983, sells few used guns, according to Messick.

In his experience, the smaller dealer might even have an advantage when it comes to attracting customers who want to forego crowds and long lines when gun shopping.

His customers also want an expert Messick doesn’t think they’ll find at a big box.

“I may have to get a little more competitive with pricing but it’s not really going to affect us that much,” he says.

Sam Mitchem of Sam’s Pawn & Jewelry Shop echoes that attitude.

“I know Gander (Mountain) is a big outfit,” he says. “I just don’t think they’ll be a big factor.”

The business isn’t an easy one to maintain, he says. There’s paperwork for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. There are background checks and mandatory waiting periods.

“It’s not like ordering a cheeseburger and just walking out with it,” Mitchem said.

“People want to deal with someone they know. We’ll have our customers that have been coming in here for years and they’ll keep coming back.”

Both pawn shop operators say there’s enough business to go around.

Mitchem, who calls President Barack Obama his best salesman, noted a surge in gun sales after the 2008 election as well as before and after this year’s. It stems from gun enthusiasts believing they may lose the right to own weapons or buy affordable ammunition, according to sellers.

Whatever the reason, Mitchem says manufacturers and distributors can hardly keep up with demand. An order for 15 guns might net the store two, according to the owner.

“It’s happening with long guns and handguns both,” he said. “We can never get our whole order.”

Messick sees fewer and fewer people trading in guns. He attributes that to today’s gun owners placing more worth on their firearms.

“People seem to value their guns more today than they did a decade ago,” he said. “They have political worries — and during difficult times people seem to be more likely to arm themselves.”